History - Sanctuary 7 Association Inc.

HISTORY
SANCTUARY 7 WOMEN'S REFUGE

WHEN DID THE REFUGE BEGIN OPERATION?

Sanctuary 7 Association began with a desire to do something in a practical way about the social problems on the Gold Coast. Enquiries were made with different agencies. Both Family Services and Lifeline requested a refuge for women and children in domestic violence situations be extablished as the only other refuge could not cope with the number needing crisis accommodation, and were turning away up to 70 people per month.

This information was discussed at the first Sanctuary 7 meeting, held on 8th June, 1990. Volunteer workers were recruited. Over the next few weeks a property became available and renovations were made to increase the security of the building. Also, a 40 hour training session for volunteer staff was run by a counsellor and psychologist from Newcastle, NSW. Of those who attended, ten became actively involved in staffing the refuge.

From the time it was decided to open a women's refuge, until Sanctuary 7 opened its doors, only six weeks passed. That was over eight years ago.

Staff Area

WHAT WERE SOME HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS?

1990

Initially Sanctuary 7 had very few residents as other agencies were not referring women. Over time, the prejudice was broken down, mainly because of the networking carried out by the first coordinator.
Sanctuary 7 was full for the first time in September.
November saw a change in coordinators.

1991 & 1992

Sanctuary 7 Association became a registered charity in Queensland, in 1991.
The position of Assistant Coordinator was instigated.
A major training program was held to equip staff to be counsellors.
Sanctuary 7 Association became a registered charity in NSW, in 1992.
Sanctuary 7 Association became an incorporated association, registered in Queensland, in 1992.
There was a change in coordinators in November, 1992.

1993 & 1994

A successful application was made to Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund to purchase premises.
The premises being used were put on the market, and were purchased by Sanctuary 7 Association Inc.
In April, 1993, a new coordinator was appointed, after the sudden death of the coordinator.
1994 began with a new coordinator, who continued in that position for three years.
September 1994, Sanctuary 7 Association Inc. became a Registered Body with the Australian Securities Commission.

1995 & 1996

A successful application was made to the Gaming Machine Community Benefit Fund for the purchase of a vehicle to be used by the refuge.
Sanctuary 7 Women's Refuge was closed for two months while major renovations to the building were carried out.
Took part in a combined market for non-government funded charities.
In December, 1996, a new coordinator was appointed.

1997 & 1998

In 1997, a final year Social Work student completed her placement.
1998 began with a new coordinator.

Sanctuary 7 Association Inc. Home Page : http://www.TAGnet.org/sanctuary7
This page created by Naz (with the help of Notepad).